A hairdresser's hopes of reducing overheads by converting a garage and working from home have been scuppered by councillors who turned down her planning permission for a change of use.

Clare Bayliss had hoped to run her business from a converted garage at her house in Piers Close, but councillors were told that this was contrary to a policy aimed at keeping retail premises in town centres.

Planning officers also explained that the proposed use would see more than an occasional customer visiting which would also impact on parking in the area.

Speaking at this week's Warwick District Council planning committee, planner Lucy Hammond explained: "The scale and nature constitutes a material change of use of the property.

"Essentially you have clients most days of the week coming and going all day which is far in excess of something which you would anticipate someone doing on a perhaps ad hoc part-time basis from their own home."

There were 44 letters of support for the plans from members of the public but nine others objected including a number of the applicant's Piers Close neighbours concerned by potential parking issues.

Cllr Terry Morris said: "This is one of the many cul-de-sacs within walking distance of Warwick Hospital so therefore parking is at a premium and very contentious. 

And Cllr Bill Gifford added: "There clearly will be parking stress. It is very much a residential street and I don't think it appropriate to have commercial use. There is barely space to park in the street."

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A report from planners outlined the reasons why officers felt the application should be refused. It said: "The scheme is not considered to deliver a sustainable pattern of development due to its location outside of the town centre whereby there would be a negative impact on the vitality and viability of the town centre and it has not been demonstrated that the increased demand for on-street parking likely to arise would not adversely impact on the amenity of the neighbours."

Councillors voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the change of use.